Do Orchestras Need Pennants?

As I was lying on a table at physical therapy for my elbow (after surgery for tendonitis) yesterday, I noticed several sports teams pennants hanging on the wall. And I thought what any musician who wants greater community involvement in the arts – Why don’t orchestras do more to build a loyal fan base? Sports teams have jerseys, pennants, mugs, and countless other pieces of kitsch, tchotchke, and paraphernalia. Why not us? Wouldn’t it build a community and sense of pride?